Weighted accessory for game controller

ABSTRACT

An accessory for a game controller, the accessory having a substantial weight and attachment features for securing the game controller thereto, to provide for resistance training and exercise while using the game controller.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/144,371, filed Jan. 13, 2009, U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/242,095, filed Sep. 14, 2009, and U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/252,852, filed Oct. 19, 2009;and this application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design patentapplication Ser. No. 29/337,907, filed Jun. 1, 2009, and is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. Design patent application Ser. No.29/337,908, filed Jun. 1, 2009, all of which are hereby incorporated byreference herein in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a weighted dumbbell-likeaccessory for hand-held controllers such as those commonly used withvideo games.

BACKGROUND

Hand held controllers like those used with the Nintendo Wii™ have becomepart of a growing trend of fitness and exercise regimens facilitatedthrough video games. Nintendo's Wii Fit™ has introduced additional waysto integrate yoga, balance, aerobics, and strength training into fun andinteractive games.

Although many of the fitness related video games include astrength-training component, which uses the hand-held controller, thereis not enough weight to a standard game controller to provide enoughresistance to build strength through lifting and manipulating thecontroller.

Controllers are typically of lightweight design in order to providecomfortable use for extended periods of play. Thus, heretofore it wouldhave been counterintuitive to add weight to a controller, and doing sowould be contrary to the typical practice in this field of art.

SUMMARY

In example embodiments, the present invention relates to a weightedattachment designed for hand-held game controllers. The attachment is abalanced weighted device similar to conventional hexagonal dumbbelldesign. The device allows for the secure attachment of a hand-held gamecontroller like those used with the Nintendo™ Wii, Sony™ Playstation 3,Microsoft™ Xbox 360, and other electronic gaming devices or consoles.

In one aspect, the present invention allows for access to buttons andother input devices of the controller that are typically needed forinteraction with the gaming console. The device also permits opening andcustom fittings required for proper function and security of thehandheld controller. Additional straps or securing devices may be addedto support the weighted device in the hands of the user.

When held, the device will permit the user to make use of the gamecontroller in the manner in which the manufacturer designed it, with theadded benefit of weight-based resistance. The device is created tominimize the addition of bulk around the handle area and does notinhibit access to controller input devices.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention willbe understood with reference to the drawing figures and detaileddescription herein, and will be realized by means of the variouselements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appendedclaims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing generaldescription and the following brief description of the drawings anddetailed description of the invention are exemplary and explanatory ofpreferred embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of theinvention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a weighted accessory for a gamecontroller according to a first example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the weighted accessory of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the weighted accessory of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the weighted accessory of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the weighted accessory of FIG. 1 shownin use with an example game controller.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the weighted accessory of FIG. 1 with theexample game controller of FIG. 5 embedded therein.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a weighted accessory for a gamecontroller according to a second example embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the weighted accessory of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the weighted accessory of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the accessory of FIG. 1 and the accessoryof FIG. 7 shown in example use with other example electronic devices.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a first step of an examplemanufacturing process of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a second step of an examplemanufacturing process of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a third step of an examplemanufacturing process of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a fourth step of an examplemanufacturing process of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to thefollowing detailed description of the invention taken in connection withthe accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure.It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to thespecific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/orshown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments by way of example only and is notintended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patentsand other publications identified in this specification are incorporatedby reference as though fully set forth herein.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, thesingular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference toa particular numerical value includes at least that particular value,unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressedherein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to“about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a rangeis expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular valueand/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values areexpressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it willbe understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like referencenumbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views,FIGS. 1-4 show a weighted accessory 10 according to a first exampleembodiment. The weighted accessory 10 includes a first end 12, a secondend 14 opposite to the first end 12, and a handle 16 extending betweenthe first and second ends. The weighted accessory 10 generally resemblesa dumbbell free weight of a type known commonly in weight lifting. Theweighted accessory 10 can be composed of materials ranging from metals,plastics, polymers, rubbers, anti-microbial materials, or any othersuitable material. Additionally, the accessory 10 can be constructed tobe waterproof and dishwasher safe.

The first end 12 and the second end 14 of the weighted accessory 10 aregenerally hexagonally shaped, but in other embodiments, they can becircular or have any other geometric shape. The hexagonally shaped firstand second ends allow the accessory 10 to rest flat on a planar surfacewithout rolling from side to side and to also provide additionalstructural support when the accessory 10 is packaged in bulk fortransit. Additionally, the accessory 10 can be designed to self correctitself to a default position when placed on a flat surface by designingthe mass of the accessory 10 to be offset from its central axis. Thefirst end 12 of the accessory 10 optionally has a first end aperture 22located thereon. The second end 14 of the accessory 12 optionally has asecond end opening 24 located thereon. The first end 12 and the secondend 14 have weights (not shown) embedded therein. The weights embeddedin the first and second ends can vary in weight, allowing for differentembodiments of the weighted accessory 10 to have different weights andsizes, such as, for example 1 pound or kilogram, 2 pounds or kilograms,2.5 pounds or kilograms, 5 pounds or kilograms, 10 pounds or kilograms,25 pounds or kilograms, etc. Alternatively, the weight of the accessory10 can be at least equal to, two times, or three times the weight of thecontroller it is to be used with. Additionally, optional weightattachments of different increments can be added to the first and secondends of the accessory 10, such as, for example, 1 pound or kilogram, 2pounds or kilograms, 2.5 pounds or kilograms, 3 pounds or kilograms, 5pounds or kilograms, 10 pounds or kilograms, etc. Weight attachments canbe added and attached to the first and second ends by clamps, threadedconnectors, hook and loop fasteners, magnets, or any other suitable typeof connector. Alternatively, the weight of the accessory 10 can beslightly less than an even weight increment, since the weight of acontroller to be used in conjunction with the accessory 10 must beaccounted for. The combined weight of the accessory 10 and thecontroller is preferably an even increment.

The handle 16 can be contoured and shaped to fit the hand of a user andcan optionally have a plurality of raised protrusions 18 placed thereonfor aid in gripping the accessory 10. Preferably, the surface of thehandle 16 is coated with a layer of a cushioned or non-slip material(e.g. rubber, recycled materials, thermoplastic elastomer, or othermaterials) 17 in order to provide more friction for the user whilehe/she grips the accessory 10 and to also protect any furniture orsurface on which the accessory 10 is to be placed upon. The handle 16 ispreferably elevated with respect to the first and second ends to allowfor a user's hand to be placed underneath the accessory 10 while it isresting on a planar surface. A controller cradle or receptacle 20 isshown recessed within the handle 16. The controller cradle 20 is shapedand contoured to fit and house a controller therein. The cradle 20 inthis embodiment is shaped to receive a generally rectangular shapedcontroller. The cradle 20 optionally has one or more button apertures 26located thereon, such that a user can operate any buttons, switches,triggers, or any other input control device located on the lower part ofa controller placed within the cradle 20.

The cradle 20 optionally can have one or more controller grips 21located on the inner face of the cradle 20. The grips 21 are preferablymade from rubber or any other frictional material, but in otherembodiments, the grips 21 can be tabs, hook and loop fasteners, magnets,a slightly adhesive material, etc. The grips 21 can prevent an objectplaced within the cradle 20 from slipping or moving in an unwanteddirection while the accessory 10 is in use. The grips 21 in thisembodiment are rubber protrusions placed on the inner surface of thecradle 20 that prevent a controller from sliding or moving in anunwanted direction while the controller is placed inside the cradle 20.In other embodiments, a detachable cover plate or a series of retentionbands placed over the handle 16 can be used in conjunction with thepresent invention to hold an object within the cradle 20.

A controller C is shown in association with the weighted accessory 10 inFIG. 5 and the controller C is shown embedded within the weightedaccessory 10 in FIG. 6. The controller C resembles a Nintendo Wii™Remote, but it should be noted that the scope of the present inventionincludes accessories that are designed and manufactured to work withother types of controllers. The accessory 10 allows for unrestricted useof the controller C and installation and removal of the controller Cfrom the accessory 10. The controller C can optionally have a button Blocated on its lower face and a sensor S located on its front face. Whenthe controller C is placed fully within the controller cradle 20, thebutton B aligns with the button aperture 26 on the lower part of thecontroller cradle 20. The button B is therefore still reachable andoperable through the button aperture 26 while the controller C is placedwithin the accessory 10. Additionally, the sensor S aligns with thefirst end aperture 22 on the first end 12, and therefore the sensor iscommunicable while the controller C is placed within the cradle 20. Thesensor S can transmit and/or receive signals that include technologiessuch as infrared, Bluetooth™, radio frequency, motion tracking, voicecommands, or any other similar wireless signal. Optionally, electriccords or wires extending from the rear face of the controller C can beplaced within the second end opening 24. Add on modules and peripheraldevices associated with the controller C optionally can be added orremoved to the controller C without being hindered by the accessory 10.Normally, the controller C is in communication with a video game consoleor platform, and the accessory 10 does not hinder the ability of thecontroller C to communicate with its respective video game console orplatform.

The open design of the cradle 20 allows for any input control devices onthe top surface of the controller C to be accessed while the controllerC is placed within the accessory 10. The controller C can optionallyinclude embedded transponders, speakers, motors, or other components forproviding various forms of sensory feedback such as vibration and/orsound which would not be hindered by the presence of the accessory 10.Additionally, a controller security strap attached to the controller Ccan be included to wrap around and attach to the wrist of a user. Thiswould ensure that the controller C and the accessory 10 are notaccidentally flung or dropped while the accessory 10 is in use. Thestrap can include features for recognizing biometric feedback such asheart rate, body temperature, motion, or other information read by atethered or non-tethered device attached to the user's body.

FIGS. 7-9 show a weighted accessory 110 for a game controller accordingto a second embodiment of the present invention. The accessory 110 issubstantially similar to the accessory 10 as described above. Theweighted accessory 110 includes a first end 112, a second end 114, and ahandle 116 extending therebetween. The handle 116 optionally can have aplurality of raised protrusions 118 on its outer surface to improve auser's grip on the handle 16. The accessory 110 additionally includes asecond end opening 124 located on the second end 114. The handle 116includes a controller cradle 120 that is shaped to ideally receive ateardrop shaped controller (not shown). The cradle optionally has twobutton apertures or openings 126 located proximate to the first end 112.Preferably, the controller to be used in conjunction with the accessory110 is a Nintendo Wii™ Remote Nunchuk attachment. The shape of thecradle 120 is designed to receive and house the Nunchuk attachment andthe position and size of the button apertures 126 are designed to allowthe buttons on the Nunchuk attachment to be accessible when theaccessory 110 is used in conjunction with the accessory 110. The cordextending from the rear end of the Nunchuk attachment can additionallybe fed through the second end aperture 124.

In other embodiments, the weighted accessory of the present inventioncan be constructed by encasing a cast metal core with injection moldedplastic resin. In still other embodiments, the accessory can beconstructed with a modular design that would facilitate multiple weightor design versions of the accessory while all sharing common corecomponents. Additionally, the modular design can allow for uniformend-to-end weight distributions for the accessory. The accessory canalso be designed to integrate its own electronic devices or circuitrysuch that a separate controller device is not necessary.

FIG. 10 shows a schematic view of the accessory 10 and accessory 110being used in conjunction with other electronic devices. This setup isby example only, and is not meant to limit the use of the presentinvention to this particular example. For this description, theaccessory 10 will be referred to as the primary accessory 10 and theaccessory 110 will be referred to as the secondary accessory 110. Thecontroller C rests within the primary accessory 10 and acts as a primarycontroller. A secondary controller N rests within the secondaryaccessory 110 and is attached by a wire W to the primary controller C. Auser holds the primary accessory 10 and the secondary accessory 110 inhis right hand R and his left hand L, respectively. Additionally, theprimary controller has a security strap S attached to the user's rightwrist, which can optionally include biometric signal detectingelectronics therein. A video game console P is in electroniccommunication with a display D and a secondary attachment device I,which rests on the top of the display D. The controller C is in wirelesscommunication with the secondary device I and the console P, asrepresented by signal waves A. Alternatively, the connections betweenthe various components can be wired or wireless. The user can interactwith the console P through the controller C and perform any type ofentertaining or exercising activity while holding the primary andsecondary accessories 10 and 110.

With reference now to FIGS. 11-14, an example of a manufacturing processfor producing a weighted gaming accessory will be explained. FIG. 11shows a body or housing 30 shaped similarly to the accessory 110. U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/252,852 filed Oct. 19, 2009is incorporated herein by reference for additional detail of an examplemanufacturing process. It should be noted that the scope of themanufacturing process can apply to any accessory embodiments of thepresent invention. The body 30 can be made of plastic, resin, polymers,metals, or any other suitable material via injection molding, forging,etc. The body 30 has a first end 32, a second end 34, and a middleportion 36 extending therebetween. The middle portion 36 has acontroller cavity 20 embedded therein. The first end 32 has a firstcavity 42 embedded therein and the second end 34 has a second cavity 44embedded therein. The body 30 optionally can have a plurality of fillerapertures or holes 38 placed on portions of the body 30 and a pluralityof tab apertures 45 on the portions that define the cavities.

As seen in FIG. 12, a first weight 46 and a second weight 48 are shownin association with the body 30. The weights can be blocks of materialmade from metals, plastics, resins, or any other suitable materials.Additionally, the weights can be vessels containing a substance ormaterial (e.g. rocks, sand, pellets, etc.) conformed to fit any shape.In this particular embodiment, the weights 46 and 48 are casted fromsteel and are conformed to fit the shape the cavities on the body 30.The weights 46 and 48 optionally have locking tabs 50 extending outwardsplaced on their circumferential periphery. As the weights 46 and 48 areplaced within their respective cavities, the locking tabs 50 snap intoand engage with the tab apertures 45 on the body 30. As seen in FIG. 13,the weights 46 and 48 are now securely locked into their respectivecavities by the engaging action between the locking tabs 50 and the tabapertures 45. The body 30 and the weights 46 and 48 in FIG. 13 undergo aprocess in which a material layer 51 is molded over the weights 46 and48 and portions of the body 30. The end result is a weighted accessory210 according to a third embodiment of the present invention, as seen inFIG. 14. During the overmolding process, the material layer 51 occupiesthe space of the filler apertures 38, which help the material layer 51adhere to the body 30. A plurality of raised protrusions 18 areoptionally molded onto the material layer 51. A labeling indicia or mark54 can optionally be made on the layer 51 to denote the weight of theaccessory in either pounds or kilograms.

It should be noted that other manufacturing processes and steps forcreating the present invention are within the scope of the invention.For example, the weights can rest within their respective cavities whilebeing held therein by a plurality of cover plates, caps, couplings,connectors, adhesives, or the like. Optionally, the superficial materiallayer can be excluded from the manufacturing process if so desired.

While the invention has been described with reference to preferred andexample embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the artthat a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within thescope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.

1. An accessory for a game controller, the accessory comprising: a gripportion having a receiver for engaging the game controller and allowingaccess to at least one control feature of the game controller; at leastone weighted portion attached to the grip portion.
 2. The accessory ofclaim 1, wherein the grip portion includes at least one opening foraccess to the at least one control feature of the game controller. 3.The accessory of claim 1, wherein the weight of the accessory is atleast equal to the weight of the game controller.
 4. The accessory ofclaim 1, wherein the weight of the accessory is at least two to threetimes the weight of the game controller.
 5. The accessory of claim 1,wherein the weight of the accessory is at least one pound.
 6. Theaccessory of claim 1, wherein the weight of the accessory is at least2.5 pounds.
 7. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the weight of theaccessory is at least five pounds.
 8. The accessory of claim 1, furthercomprising weighted attachments for adding incremental weight to theaccessory, and means for removably attaching the weighted attachments tothe accessory.
 9. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the grip portiondefines an opening allowing passage of a trigger portion of thecontroller therethrough.
 10. A weighted game controller for a video gamesystem, the weighted game controller comprising at least one actuatorfor user interaction with the game system, and a substantially weightedportion.
 11. The weighted game controller of claim 10, wherein thesubstantially weighted portion is separable from the actuator.
 12. Theweighted game controller of claim 10, wherein the substantially weightedportion is integral with the actuator.
 13. The weighted game controllerof claim 10, having an overall weight of at least one pound.
 14. Theweighted game controller of claim 10, having an overall weight of atleast 2.5 pounds.
 15. The weighted game controller of claim 10, havingan overall weight of at least five pounds.
 16. The weighted gamecontroller of claim 10, further comprising weighted attachments foradding incremental weight, and means for removably attaching theweighted attachments to the controller.
 17. An accessory set for anelectronic game having a primary controller and a secondary controller,the accessory set comprising a first weighted accessory for releasablyengaging the primary controller and a second weighted accessory forreleasably engaging the secondary controller.
 18. The accessory set ofclaim 17, wherein the primary controller and a secondary controller haveapproximately equal weights.
 19. The accessory set of claim 17, whereinthe primary controller and a secondary controller each comprise a handleportion and at least one weighted portion attached to the handleportion.
 20. The accessory set of claim 17, wherein the primarycontroller and a secondary controller each comprise a handle portion, afirst weighted body attached to a first end of the handle portion, and asecond weighted body attached to a second end of the handle portionopposite the first end.